Rattles are a great way to act as an "Appetizer" to a large clay unit. It introduces students to some of the tools and hand building techniques, and in most cases gives them a " win" with the medium. I have also used this project for summer school and get to know you projects, but typically I will set up my clay unit as follows:

Day 1: Clay Tools interactive game with note cards, pictures and notes with a power point on terms.Day 2: Ceramics Terms: Wedge, coil, kiln, etc. I will also show a power point on use of rattlesDay 3-7:Demo Rattles, Lets students work on their own rattles

I do require that they stand!!! Here is a great video by my friend on how to construct a clay rattle! GOOD LUCK! And again if you want the power points or instructions sheets, just e-mail me!